#Japan #Tokyo #Japanese Sake #SAKE HUNDRED #NIKO

Introduction to SAKE HUNDRED's NIKO

As the Japanese sake market continues to evolve, SAKE HUNDRED's unique offering, NIKO, has made a remarkable mark since its launch. Released on September 24, 2024, NIKO has seen an extraordinary growth of 243% in the number of retail outlets, indicating its pivotal role in invigorating the high-end sake market.

NIKO's Mission and Market Impact

NIKO was created with the vision of raising awareness about premium sake among retail stores and dining establishments. Historically, SAKE HUNDRED focused on e-commerce sales, allowing it to establish a stronghold as a unique sake brand. With most premium sake in Japan typically priced around ¥2,000, SAKE HUNDRED’s average purchase price exceeds ¥50,000, forming its niche in this specialized market. However, a longstanding perception persists that high-priced sake does not sell well in retail settings. To challenge this notion and promote quality sake, NIKO was introduced.

Since its debut, the product has become available in over 150 stores, marking a significant shift in the retail landscape for premium sake, bringing new vitality to this market segment.

The Experience of NIKO

NIKO stands out for its exquisite, fresh flavor profile that accompanies a captivating concept of “opening the door to an extraordinary experience.” With aromas resembling refreshing Asian pear and a lively citrus-like acidity, its juicy flavor extends on the palate, embodying a delightful drinking experience. The innovative brewing method, involving a unique four-step white koji fermentation, coupled with the upcycling of rice bran, showcases NIKO’s commitment to both quality and sustainability.

Sustainability in Brewing

NIKO does not just aim for extraordinary taste but also emphasizes sustainable practices. The brewery employs rice bran generated from their flagship sake, BYAKKO's polishing process, leveraging about 1.5kg of rice bran per bottle. While traditionally, using rice bran in brewing has been avoided due to concerns over flavor, SAKE HUNDRED, in collaboration with its brewing partners, has successfully harnessed it to produce a rich, sweet profile that enhances the overall tasting experience.

Before the dream of transforming unvalued materials into high-quality products, NIKO embodies a creative challenge towards the future of sustainable sake production, with ongoing research to further utilize rice bran effectively.

Partnering with SHIRATAKI Brewery

The collaboration with SHIRATAKI Brewery, established in 1855 in Niigata’s heavy snowfall region, is a cornerstone of NIKO’s quality. The brewery values traditional sake-making that serves as an entry point for enthusiasts, embodying a commitment to purity and craftsmanship that capitalizes on the local mineral-rich waters.

Testimonials from Retailers and Partners

Retailers describe NIKO as an elegant product that reflects modern drinking habits. As the appreciation of sake evolves from simple enjoyment at home to a more experience-oriented approach with pairings in restaurants, NIKO’s aromatic freshness and beautiful balance resonate well with contemporary preferences. The visually striking label and luxurious packaging contribute to its appeal, making it a staple for social occasions and culinary pairings.

For instance, the New Sake Shop, an acclaimed local retailer, notes that consumers increasingly seek unique, engaging sake to introduce to their friends, which has made NIKO a popular choice among its offerings.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Sake

With its dynamic growth, innovative techniques, and commitment to sustainability, NIKO by SAKE HUNDRED challenges conventional perceptions of what premium sake can be. As the brand continues to cultivate a new narrative around sake, it not only enriches the experience for its customers but also sets a new standard for future sake production.

In a rapidly changing market landscape, NIKO opens the door to sustainable, quality-driven experiences, making it a noteworthy player in the evolving Japanese sake domain.